Diagnostics Matter: Dede Willis’ Journey from Engineering to Genomics_e.063

In this episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, we welcome Dede Willis, co-founder and CEO of Orbit Genomics, a trailblazer in the field of diagnostics and life sciences. With a background in engineering and over 25 years of leadership experience, Dede shares how her engineering mindset and entrepreneurial resilience have driven her to build impactful startups that tackle complex challenges. Dede dives into the mission of Orbit Genomics, exploring how they’re harnessing the potential of “junk DNA” to revolutionize cancer detection and save lives. She also opens up about the challenges of securing funding in the diagnostics space, the importance of fostering team diversity, and the pivotal role government programs like ARPA-H and Cancer Moonshot play in advancing healthcare innovation. Through thoughtful storytelling and actionable insights, Dede reveals how diagnostics can complement therapeutics, why collaboration is essential to progress, and how startups can thrive by embracing resilience and adaptability. This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and building bridges in science and beyond.